Is a big presence up the middle and can be a decent face-off man. Has above-average hands and the instincts of a natural goal-scorer. When motivated, he plays a complete game and his leadership skills have improved.

Flaws:

Is a better scorer than playmaker, so he tends to get off his game when paired with other goal-scorers. His overall game has lacked consistency in recent seasons. Has also endured personal problems in the past.

Career Potential:

Inconsistent but talented big center.

Career Honors & Awards

League

Honor

Description

NHL

Named to play in the NHL All-Star Game

2002-03

Olympic

Olympic Silver Medal

2006 (Finland)

Olympic

Olympic Bronze Medal

2014 (Finland), 2010 (Finland)

Movements & Injuries

2015

3/02/2015

Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2/15/2015

Acquired from the Nashville Predators.

2/08/2015

Missed 5 games (undisclosed).

1/30/2015

Undisclosed, day-to-day.

2014

7/02/2014

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Nashville Predators to a one-year contract.

2013

4/27/2013

Missed the last 3 regular season games (ankle injury).

4/22/2013

Ankle injury, sidelined indefinitely.

2012

7/02/2012

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Winnipeg Jets to a two-year contract.

2010

11/18/2010

Suspended by the NHL for three games.

7/01/2010

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Calgary Flames to a two-year contract.

2/01/2010

Acquired from the Calgary Flames.

2009

3/04/2009

Acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes.

2008

12/10/2008

Missed 6 games (upper body injury).

11/28/2008

Upper body injury, day-to-day.

6/20/2008

Acquired from the Florida Panthers.

2006

3/09/2006

Re-signed by the Florida Panthers to a four-year contract extension.

2005

9/12/2005

Re-signed as a restricted free agent by the Florida Panthers to a one-year contract.

1/30/2005

Signed with the HIFK Helsinki of the SM-Liiga (Finland).

2004

9/15/2004

NHL lockout: Signed with the Kloten Flyers of the Swiss National League.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1st round (3rd overall) in 1997.

Player News

Nashville center Olli Jokinen is getting up there in age and the once 90-point scorer will be lucky to put up half that total in 2014-15. | 10/02/2014 11:57 AM

News

Nashville center Olli Jokinen is getting up there in age and the once 90-point scorer will be lucky to put up half that total in 2014-15.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Jokinen is expected to play between Gabriel Bourque and Craig Smith on the second line to start the season, but the Predators are solid up the middle and there is no guarantee he'll be there all season particularly after Mike Fisher returns from an Achilles injury.

Offensive-minded coach appealed to center | 07/06/2014 9:47 AM

News

Veteran center Olli Jokinen says he decided to join the Nashville Predators as a free agent because of their new coach's offensive-minded approach.

The Nashville Tennessean

Impact

Peter Laviolette purshed for Nashville to pursue the 35-year-old. "Obviously with the excitement and the passion about the game and ideas of how he (Laviolette) was going to coach this team, that was one of the biggest reasons I decided to come here," Jokinen said. "Speaking with him, I got excited. I wanted to start playing tomorrow." Jokinen has never played for Laviolette, though his best years in Florida came when Laviolette was a divisional foe as the Carolina Hurricanes' coach. "I think playing against his teams, as a player you were like `I'd love to play for this guy. I'd love to play for his teams,' " Jokinen said. "His teams have always been high-tempo with good skating and they create a lot of chances and a lot of offense. At the same time his teams were hard to play against. They were very organized and stuck with their game plans." Jokinen had 18 goals and 25 assists last season in 82 games with the Jets.

Olli Jokinen could be Preds' #1 center | 07/05/2014 11:20 AM

News

There is a good chance that Olli Jokinen could be the Predators number one center this upcoming season.

USA Today.com

Impact

If that should come to pass, he would almost certainly play alongside newly-acquired James Neal which would increase his fantasy value from what it was last season. Nashville GM David Poile alluded to the possiblity of Jokinen skating on the top line. "Arguably you could say we are putting him in a more important position than he has been in the past couple of years," Poile said. Keep an eye on how the Preds use Jokinen in training camp.

GM David Poile envisions using him at center, but he notes that Jokinen can play on the wing as well. He can contribute offensively and he provides leadership. "With all the young players we have here, I think adding that veteran forward presence was the right thing to do," Poile said. "I was in full concert with Peter Laviolette on this decision."

Olli Jokinen signs with the Predators | 07/02/2014 6:21 PM

News

Olli Jokinen has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Nashville Predators.

NHL.com

Impact

Jokinen is far from an ideal choice to serve as a top-line center at this stage of his career, but the 35-year-old was serviceable with the Jets last season. He had 43 points and 62 penalty minutes in 82 games in 2013-14. If the Predators end up putting Jokinen on the same line as James Neal, which is entirely possible given their options, then Jokinen might surpass the 50-point mark.

"I understood we would talk. But it hasn't transpired," Pulver said. "We'll see where it goes. I don't know Winnipeg's plans." Jokinen notched 18 goals and 25 assists in 82 games in 2013-14. He can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Olli Jokinen adds another medal with Finland | 05/26/2014 10:13 AM

News

Olli Jokinen captured a silver medal at the 2014 IIHF World Hockey Championship on Sunday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

He served as the team's captain and posted five points in 10 games. Jokinen also won the bronze medal with Finland at the Sochi Olympics. He can become an unrestricted free agent this summer after he recorded 18 goals and 43 points in 82 games with Winnipeg this past campaign.

Olli Jokinen joins Team Finland | 04/22/2014 10:29 AM

News

Olli Jokinen will play for Team Finland in the 2014 World Championship.

Antti Makinen on Twitter

Impact

Jokinen had two goals and four points in six Olympic games in 2014 to help the team win a bronze medal. He has 19 goals and 41 points in 82 career World Championship games.

Olli Jokinen to wait to see what Jets decide | 04/14/2014 2:49 PM

News

Potential unrestricted free agent Olli Jokinen likes the way he performed in 2013-14.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"I'm happy. I think I was able to bring my game to a level where it needs to be," he said. "I was happy with the role I had. When you get older you want to change your game and you don't necessarily have to get 20-25 minutes of ice time. I was able to move up and down in the lineup and fill my role this year." Now, he's in a wait-and-see mode to see what Winnipeg's management group decides. Jokinen had 18 goals and 43 points in 82 games this past campaign.

Olli Jokinen ends eight-game goal drought | 04/03/2014 11:07 PM

News

Olli Jokinen lit the lamp for Winnipeg in its 4-2 loss to the Penguins on Thursday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Jokinen's goal was his first since March 16, a span of eight games without a marker. The 35-year-old has 17 goals and 41 points this season. Zach Redmond picked up the other goal, his first on the season, which has comprised of six games. Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Blake Wheeler and Matt Halischuk had the helpers.

Olli Jokinen scores lone goal in loss to LA | 03/06/2014 9:56 PM

News

Olli Jokinen scored the only Winnipeg goal in Thursday's 3-1 loss at the hands of the Kings.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Jokinen's 15th marker of the season opened the scoring near the midway point of the second period, but it was all the Jets could muster as Los Angeles scored the game's next three goals en route to victory. Evander Kane and Mark Stuart drew helpers on the goal.

Olli Jokinen basking in the glow of bronze | 02/27/2014 9:13 AM

News

Olli Jokinen is still proud of being a part of Finland's bronze-medal victory at the Winter Olympics.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

"Probably one of the biggest things for our country," he said. "Having all those injuries and being the underdogs going into the tournament ... obviously we're disappointed that we were not able to win. But to have something to bring home, getting that medal is a huge thing for us." Jokinen could be a trade candidate for the Jets next week before the March 5 deadline, but he isn't worrying about that.

That gives Jokinen four points in five Olympic games. Sami Vatanen assisted on Jokinen's goal. Finland will now play the loser of the United States versus Canada game for the bronze medal.

Jets could deal pending UFA Olli Jokinen | 02/19/2014 8:36 AM

News

There's a chance the Jets could move Olli Jokinen at the March 5 trade deadline.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

The 35-year-old veteran is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer and he does have some value thanks to an improved season during his second tour in Winnipeg. Jokinen registered 14 points in 45 games during the lockout-shortened campaign, but he has 13 goals and 32 points in 60 contests in 2013-14.

Olli Jokinen producing well at Olympics | 02/14/2014 8:18 PM

News

Olli Jokinen potted a goal and an assist in Finland's 6-1 win over rival Norway on Friday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The Jets' center also had an assist in the Finns' opening win vs. Austria, making it three points in two games for the veteran. Jokinen is playing in his fourth Olympic games, registering 18 points in 20 games spanning back to 2002 in Salt Lake City.

Jokinen: Jets' confidence hasn't diminished | 01/29/2014 4:56 PM

News

Olli Jokinen insists the Winnipeg Jets remain confidence despite being back in the Central Division basement.

NHL.com

Impact

The Jets suffered a 4-3 loss to Nashville on Tuesday. There's odds of making the playoffs are slim at this point, but new coach Paul Maurice has an opportunity to spend the remainder of the campaign laying the groundwork for 2014-15.

O. Jokinen gets 2 points in return to Calgary | 01/17/2014 6:23 AM

News

Olli Jokinen produced a goal and an assist in his return to Calgary.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He spent most of his previous four seasons with the Flames organization prior to joining the Jets. Jokinen has been much more productive in 2013-14 than he was during the lockout-shortened campaign. He already has 13 goals and 31 points in 49 games after he generated just 14 points over 45 contests last year.

O. Jokinen scores, learns he's going to Sochi | 01/08/2014 8:02 AM

News

Olli Jokinen scored in Tuesday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Unfortunately, he also had a minus-3 rating in the contest. Jokinen has 11 goals and 28 points in 46 games this campaign. He was named to Finland's roster for the Winter Olympics on Tuesday as well.

Olli Jokinen scores his 10th in loss to Sens | 01/03/2014 6:15 AM

News

Olli Jokinen potted his 10th goal in Thursday's loss to Ottawa.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He scored at the 14:31 mark of the third period to draw the Jets to within one goal of the Senators, but that's as close as they would come in a 4-3 loss. Jokinen, who had just seven goals and seven assists in 45 games last season, already has 26 points in 43 contests this campaign.

Olli Jokinen has contributed more offense | 12/12/2013 9:17 AM

News

Olli Jokinen has been more productive this year than he was during the lockout-shortened campaign.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He has already equaled his total of seven goals and he's increased his assists total from seven to 12. Jokinen has been skating alongside Devin Setoguchi and Chris Thorburn, who has been filling for injured winger Evander Kane, of late. The veteran center has three goals and two helpers in his last four contests.

Olli Jokinen scores in losing effort for Jets | 12/05/2013 10:41 PM

News

Olli Jokinen contributed his seventh goal of the season to the Jets on Thursday, but the team still lost to Florida by a score of 5-2.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Jokinen has done about what we expected entering the season although the team hasn't been terrific overall. Andrew Ladd also chipped in with his eighth of the campaign in the loss.

Olli Jokinen powers Jets to win vs. NYR | 12/02/2013 9:44 PM

News

Olli Jokinen picked up two goals and an assist Monday as the Jets upended the New York Rangers by a score of 5-2.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Jokinen had recorded just one point in five games prior to breaking out in this contest. Blake Wheeler, Devin Setoguchi and John Albert also scored goals for Winnipeg in the win.

Olli Jokinen has done well as a checker | 11/28/2013 9:15 AM

News

Olli Jokinen has done a good as a checking-line center of late.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"Yeah, I did that in Calgary for a couple of years," Jokinen said. "That was a role I had in the last couple of games. He's been using our line a little bit in that role." He has been playing with Evander Kane and Devin Setoguchi, so the combination can create offense as well. Jokinen has four goals and 10 assists in 27 games this season.

Olli Jokinen's two points help Jets | 11/08/2013 10:45 PM

News

Olli Jokinen scored a goal and added an assist in the Jets' 0-0 win over Nashville Friday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The center has three goals and nine points in 18 games this season.

Olli Jokinen racks up milestones this year | 10/15/2013 9:15 AM

News

Olli Jokinen picked up his 400th career assist and 700th career point in Sunday's win over New Jersey.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

On Oct. 4, he scored his 300th goal so Jokinen's numbers are very well-rounded right now. The 34-year-old center has accomplished those milestones in 1,093 games. So far this season, Jokinen has one goal and two assists in six contests.

Olli Jokinen might have a nice 2013-14 season | 10/05/2013 12:26 AM

News

Olli Jokinen could best expectations in 2013-14, judging by his work for the Winnipeg Jets in their 5-3 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Jokinen scored a goal and an assist, generated two SOG and three hits Friday. He only received 13:31 minutes and 23 seconds of PP time, though.

Olli Jokinen gets a turn on Jets' second line | 09/17/2013 6:30 AM

News

Olli Jokinen got to skate between Devin Setoguchi and Evander Kane on Monday.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

Jets prospect Mark Scheifele centered Setoguchi and Kane in Saturday's preseason tilt. He earned an assist and the trio combined for five points. Jokinen was asked if he felt like he was auditioning for the second-line center spot and he responded that it's too early to predict anything right now. "You play with whoever and whenever you step on the ice you try to do your best," he said. It should be noted that Scheifele still probably has the inside track on the position.

Olli Jokinen offers support for Mark Scheifel | 09/14/2013 11:00 AM

News

Olli Jokinen slogged through a disappointing season last year, and now many following the Winnipeg Jets expect Mark Scheifele to push past him on the depth chart, yet the veteran centre voiced his support for the young prospect at the start of training camp.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"We are all rooting for him, you know?" Jokinen said. "He's a great young player. We want him to take that step to be an NHL player. Hopefully things go well for him. A guy like him coming in the lineup, for us it's going to make our team better." Jokinen scored only seven goals and had 14 points in 45 games for the Jets last season.

Olli Jokinen could be pushed by Scheifele | 09/05/2013 6:46 AM

News

Olli Jokinen will need to produce this season if he's going to get the same amount of ice time he last year.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He averaged 17:07 of ice time per game during the lockout-shortened season largely due to the fact that coach Claude Noel didn't feel comfortable giving those minutes to his other players. If Jokinen continues to struggle then he could get bumped down the lineup, especially since Mark Scheifele is projected to push for a roster spot. Scheifele could be a good fit alongside Evander Kane and newcomer Devin Setoguchi this campaign. Jokinen feels like he has what it takes to bounce back and he'll need to do that in order to stay in Winnipeg's top-six group.

Olli Jokinen thinks he can bounce back | 09/04/2013 6:56 AM

News

Olli Jokinen believes he still has plenty left to give.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He struggled during the 2013 campaign and the 34-year-old center was asked if he thought he had another big season in him. Jokinen responded, "I think I'm going to have five or six big seasons left. I'm not nearly as done as you guys think. I've been playing a long time and still feel like I can play a bunch." He produced just seven goals and seven assists in 45 games last year.

Olli Jokinen's ankle won't need surgery | 05/23/2013 9:43 AM

News

Olli Jokinen will continue to rest and rehab his ankle injury during the off-season.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He won't require surgery after sustaining a high-ankle sprain late in the 2013 campaign. Jokinen had a disappointing first year with the Jets after he was brought in with the hope of anchoring the team's top line. He notched seven goals and seven assists, while picking up a minus-19 rating, in 45 games.

Olli Jokinen has a high ankle sprain | 04/22/2013 11:37 AM

News

Olli Jokinen's lower-body injury is a high-ankle sprain.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

In other words, Jokinen should miss Winnipeg's final three regular season games. He had seven goals and 14 points in 45 contests this season.

Olli Jokinen sustains a lower body injury | 04/20/2013 4:04 PM

News

Olli Jokinen suffered a lower body injury during Saturday's game against the New York Islanders.

Ken Wiebe on Twitter

Impact

Jokinen isn't expected to return to the contest. His leg reportedly appeared to twist awkwardly and that might be the cause of the ailment.

Olli Jokinen scores in a losing effort | 03/30/2013 6:02 PM

News

Olli Jokinen scored a goal in a 3-1 defeat Saturday afternoon.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Evander Kane and Antti Miettinen each assisted on the Jets' lone goal. Jokinen now has seven goals and 11 points in 36 games this season.

Olli Jokinen ends lengthy goal slump | 03/27/2013 9:38 AM

News

Olli Jokinen snapped a 14-game goal drought with his sixth marker of the year during Tuesday's win over Carolina.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

Over his goalless stretch, he had just two assists. Jokinen has not provided the Jets with the kind of production the team expected when they signed him to a two-year, $9 million contract back in July. He has only 10 points and a minus-15 rating after 34 games.

Olli Jokinen scores two goals Tuesday | 02/27/2013 10:38 AM

News

Olli Jokinen scored a pair of goals Tuesday night.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He has seven points in 19 games this season to go with a team-worst minus-10 rating. Jokinen is currently playing on Winnipeg's third line with James Wright and Anthony Peluso, which is not what the team envisioned when they signed him as an unrestricted free agent last summer.

Olli Jokinen ends pointless slump | 02/23/2013 4:58 PM

News

Olli Jokinen scored a goal in Winnipeg's 5-3 loss Saturday afternoon.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

That ended Jokinen's nine-game pointless slump. Alex Burmistrov and Evander Kane each scored a goal in the losing effort. Dustin Byfuglien recorded two assists for the Jets.

Olli Jokinen off to terrible start with Jets | 02/19/2013 8:08 AM

News

Olli Jokinen has gone without scoring a point in seven straight games.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

The veteran center hasn't even registered a shot in his past two contests, which doesn't bode well for an end to his recent cold streak either. Jokinen was projected to be a top-six addition to the Jets' offensive picture this season after signing a two-year, $9 million contract with the organization last summer. However, he has been playing on the third line of late and has scored only four points in 14 matches.

Olli Jokinen has been a non-factor for Jets | 02/13/2013 10:14 AM

News

Olli Jokinen has recorded just two goals and two assists in his first 12 games with the Winnipeg Jets.

Winnipeg Sun

Impact

The Jets added Jokinen as their top free-agent addition during the summer and he has sputtered out of the gate so far. He started the year without a point in four prior to getting all four of his points during a three-game span. Since then he hasn't had a goal or an assist in five consecutive contests.

Olli Jokinen begins to shake off the rust | 01/31/2013 10:24 AM

News

Olli Jokinen feels like he's starting to develop a groove now after the long layoff of the lockout.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"It was a while before I played the last time so it's been a pretty big layover and it's started to feel better the last few games," Jokinen said Wednesday. "The only way to train for the game is to play the game, have meaningful games. It's different when you skate with six guys, play three-on-three. When you start competing against the best players in the world, it's a little different." The veteran forward said he did not feel like himself for the first few games when he didn't have a point. Jokinen has generated a goal and two helpers in his past two appearances.

Olli Jokinen finding his groove with Jets | 01/30/2013 12:04 AM

News

Olli Jokinen scored a goal and added an assist in the Jets 4-3 loss to Montreal Tuesday night.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

It's typically not a good sign when a player can triple his point total on the season in just one game, but with three points in six contests Jokinen is starting to come around. Blake Wheeler and Nik Antropov also found the back of the net in the losing effort.

Jokinen has already gotten used to Winnipeg | 01/16/2013 10:52 AM

News

Olli Jokinen said a silver lining to the lockout was that he has had plenty of time to grow accustomed to the city of Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"The good thing this time was probably having the lockout so I had a good chance to get used to the surroundings and get to know the city and find some new friends outside hockey," said Jokinen. That's a very good attitude from the veteran center. The Jets will lean on Jokinen for leadership and offense this year. During the early part of training camp, he has been skating with Evander Kane and Kyle Wellwood.

Olli Jokinen should add leadership to Jets | 01/08/2013 10:59 AM

News

Olli Jokinen is expected to add offense and a big-bodied center to Winnipeg's lineup, but he'll add leadership as well.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

"The best way to lead is by example. Sometimes you have to dump the puck in or block the shot," he said. "It's not all about scoring goals. You have to look after the little details but if that doesn't work I'm not afraid to speak up. You have to be honest with yourself and sometimes honest with your teammates. You don't have to be a jerk about it but a team doesn't have to be about 20 of the nicest guys either. Sometimes the truth hurts." Jokinen has experienced the fallout of two previous lockouts, so his wisdom could come in handy along with his ability to put up points.

Jets will be counting on center Olli Jokinen | 01/07/2013 11:59 AM

News

Olli Jokinen factors to be a key member of the Jets' offense when the NHL season begins.

Winnipeg Free Press

Impact

He inked a two-year, $9 million contract with Winnipeg in the summer and has been skating at the team's practice and training facility during the lockout. Jokinen took part in some charity games, but he didn't head overseas to find work. He's projected to be the team's number one center this year, which should land him a spot next to young sniper Evander Kane on opening night.